CSR 378 Nick Rennpage
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In this episode of Catholic Sports Radio, host Bruce Wozniak welcomes Nick Renpage, mission officer at the University of Detroit Jesuit High School and Academy, who shares his journey from a cradle Catholic upbringing in Grosse Pointe Woods, Michigan, to becoming a dedicated advocate for Ignatian spirituality in athletics. Nick reflects on pivotal moments in his faith—such as early insights during CCD, transformative experiences at Spring Hill Camp, and the profound impact of the Jesuit spiritual exercises he completed in a 10-month format after adopting his second child. His academic and spiritual path led him to pursue graduate studies at the University of Detroit Mercy, focusing on Ignatian spirituality and athletics. Nick then details his innovative adult chaplain program at Detroit Jesuit, which brings spiritual reflection into athletic life through weekly chapel talks, faith-based meditations, and guided discernment around themes like God’s presence in wins and losses, humility in victory, and team unity. The program, inspired by models from St. Ignatius and St. Xavier, is designed to help student-athletes integrate faith with their athletic experiences. Nick also discusses his passion for cycling as a form of prayer, fellowship, and spiritual renewal, and shares the deeply personal story of his family’s journey through adoption. The episode closes with a powerful sportsman’s prayer and a heartfelt call for listeners to support the ministry through donations.
God is present in both athletic victories and defeats—discerning His movement requires intentional reflection and spiritual direction.
The Ignatian spiritual exercises, when adapted for high school students, can be a transformative tool for athletes to grow in faith and self-awareness.
An adult chaplain program in schools can bridge faith and sports by integrating weekly spiritual reflections into athletic practice.
Adoption and family formation through discernment can be a profound expression of faith and vocation.
Cycling and other endurance sports serve not just physical training but also spiritual disciplines like prayer, suffering, and fellowship.
Introduction and Ministry Moment: Faith in Sports Language
Bruce Wozniak introduces the show, emphasizing the importance of using respectful language in sports and drawing from Proverbs 16:24 on the sweetness of pleasing words. He sets the tone for the episode by highlighting the intersection of faith and sports.
Nick Renpage’s Background: Faith, Family, and Athletic Beginnings
Nick shares his upbringing in a Catholic family in Grosse Pointe Woods, his early faith experiences in CCD and youth groups, and how he transitioned from playing baseball and basketball to swimming after being cut from the high school basketball team.
College and the Ignatian Calling: From John Carroll to Jesuit Spirituality
Nick recounts how his sister’s presence at John Carroll University influenced his college choice, leading to a deepening love for theology and philosophy, and ultimately a passion for St. Ignatius and Jesuit spirituality.
The Spiritual Exercises: A 10-Month Journey of Discernment
“I just need more of this in my life. I think I can help folks in this way.”
Launching the Adult Chaplain Program at Detroit Jesuit High School
“How is God present in challenges or losses? How is God present when we celebrate our wins? What does it mean to be humble when we're winning?”
“It's not whether you win or lose, it's that it's Jesus that you always choose.”
“How is God present in challenges or losses? How is God present when we celebrate our wins? What does it mean to be humble when we're winning?”
“I just need more of this in my life. I think I can help folks in this way.”
Host
Guest
Nick Renpage
person
Bruce Wozniak
person
University of Detroit Jesuit High School and Academy
organization
Catholic Sports Radio
organization
Drew Valensky
person
Catholicsportsradio.net
organization
John Carroll University
organization
University of Detroit Mercy
organization
St. Ignatius of Loyola
person
organization
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